Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1907 — Curious Westmorland Custom. [ARTICLE]

Curious Westmorland Custom.

A strange custom is observed yearly In the small hamlet of Week, in West morland. In commemoration of an Incident that happened in the j<*ar 1841. That year there was a plague of wasps and many persons throughout the country succumbed to the poisonous sting. The little hamlet holds the record for its number of victims, hnd in memory of the occurrence a memorial tablet was erected on the moor there. Now each year there Is a procession. Most of the inhabitants turn out, carrying insect powder and other devices for killing wasps, and march to the memorial stone, where a short service is held by the minister of the parish. When the service is over a general crusade Is made in search of wasps’ nests, which are immediately destroyed. Borne carry guns, some rags saturated in turpentine, while others carry paraffin, which is poured into the nest and a match applied. The anniversary Is considered the most Important event of the year.—English Country Gentleman

The Woodland Feast. Young gray squirrel stopped to think: "What do I like best to eat and drink? Now la the season of nuts galore, But other dainties are held In store. Down In the woods are mushrooms sweet. Tender and ready for me to eat; There are spicy berries of partridge vine. And the frost touched grapes have a taste that's fine. And here, Just over the orchard wall. Grown a pear with a seed that Is toothsome. though small. All of these things are ready for me,” Bald the happy squirrel. "Chee, chee, chee!” “And for me!" chirped the catbird. “And me!” called the gTouse. “And for me!" came the voice of the little wood mouse. And Sir Fox listened, with nod and smile. And said. “All for me In a little while." —Youth’s Companion.